Paper feeding mechanism



n 939. J.QSHERMAN ET AL 2,160,916

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SM eeeeeeeeeeeee tl June 1939- J. Q. SHERMAN ET ALPAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheet-Sheet 2 June 6,1939.

J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Au 6, 1937 10Sheets-Sheet 3 June 6, J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL 2,

PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 70 o o I fi0 o 2 b TORS B &WTORNEY June 1939- J. Q. SHERMAN 1-.r AL 2,150,915

PAPBR FEEDING MECHANI SM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 6,193 J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MECHNISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10Sheets-Sheet 6 June 6, 1939. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MCHANISMFi1ed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 June 6, 1939. Q sH ET AL 2,160,916

PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Aug. 6, 1937 June 6,1939. J, Q. sHERMAN ET AL 2,160,916

PAFER FEEDING MECHANI SM Filed Aug. 6, 1957 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 PatentedJune 6, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mrm FEEDING MECHANISM John Q.Sherman and Albert W.

said Metzner assigner tu sait! Sherton, h10; man

Metzner, Bay- Application August 6, 1937, Serial No. 157,706

24 Claims.

This invention pertains to imprinting machines for producing successiveimpressions at longitudinaily spaced intervais upon continuons strips ofstationery, and more particularly the cooperative association therewithof dual aligning and registering feeding mechanism for perlodicallypositively advancing superposed strips of record material throughsimultaneous step by step movements of different extent in timedrelation past an impression receiving position to efteet accurateregistry of difierently spaced areas upon diiferent strips in imprintingposition and preferabiy but not necessarily lncludes traveling pin typefeeding devices engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in thesuperposed record strips and actuated in synchronism with the operationof the imprinting apparatus.

While the present dual strip feeding and aligning mechanism isapplicable to a wide range of diiierent writing and imprinting machineswherein continuons strip stationery is intermittently advanced past animpression receiving position, in synchronized relation with which thefeeding and aligning mechanism is automatically actu- D ated, includingvarious forms of printing and recording apparatus, computing. tabulatngand billing machines, typewritexs and the like, for illustrativepurpose, but with no intent to unduly limit the scope or application ofthe invention, it is herein shown and described as incorporated with aconventional form of addressing machine.

The present construction is a further development and amplification ofthe inventions disclosed in copending applications Serial No. 683,612.filed August 4, 1933. and Serial No. 106,158, filed October 17, 1936,and a continuation in part thereoi.

However, in lieu of advancing the continuons strip stationery downwardlyfrom a. supply in elevated relation above the imprinting devices andthence forwardly past the imprinting position and over the table to thefront of the machine where it is engaged by the pin type feeding meansas illustrated in the prior constructions. in the present instance thepin type feeding devices are located in juxtaposition to the imprintingdevices and the supply of record material is drawn in reverse directionfrom the supply packet at the front of the machine rearwardly past theimpression receiving position and is then elevated upwardly to anelevated receiver or guide means for the imprinted material.

It has been found that by 50 locating the feedng units in close relationwith the imprinting position, much greater accuracy is assured, sincefil) there is not the opportunity for accumulation cf errer between theieeding and imprinting points.

Diflerent superposed strips are operatively engaged by separate pin typefeeding devices which are actuated simultanecusly but through diiterentfeeding ranges. so that whiie one strip is advanced a full form lengthat each operation a companion strip may be advanced only a line space ora lesser or greater distance than the first strip, as may be necessaryto present sucm cesslve dierently spaced prescribed areas of therespective strips in exact registry with each other exactly at theimprlnting position.

The factor of exact registry is quite Important and necessary foraccurate manitolcling operali! tiens. Frictional feed devices have beenemployed for advancing continuons statiouery, but always there ispresent an element of slippage and creep of one strip relative to theother which introduces error 01' registry. While the diflerential ieedmay be alrnost infinitesimal in 9. single form length, it is cumulativeand after ieeding saine hundreds or thousands et forme. the error ordegree of oflset grows to such extent that the prescrlbed area of theoriginal record strip may not be presented in proper impressionreceiving relation, and the manifolded record may be offset both fromthe printing position and out of registry with the imprint receivingareas of the original record strip. The present positive pin typefeeding mechanism is designed and timed to present succeeding diierentlyspaced areas of the original record and duplicata record strips inproper aligned and registering relation with each other simultaneouslyin accurate registry with impression devices at each operation.

The present registering and aligning mechanism is applicable to existingimprinting machines, and is readily adjustable for feeding strips ofvarious widths difierent distances to accommodate forms of diflerentlengths or stationery having diilerent line spacing, or whereon theprescribed impression receiving areas are differently spaced.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well asthe means and mode 01' operation of registering and aligning mechanismsapplied to imprinting machines, whereby they may not only beeconomically constructed, but will be more eficient in use, automatic inaction, uniform in operation, of extreme accuracy, and unlikcly to getout of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide dual feeding means forsimultancously advancing separate superposed strips diierent distancesand presenting successive differenfly spaced prescribed areas thereotaccurately in registry with each other and simultaneously in registrywith the imprinting devlces.

A further object et the invention is to provide means for efiecting thediflerential feeding movement of superposed strips in synchronism withthe operatlon 01 the imprinting machine and under the direct controlthereoi, whereby the impflnting and ieding operation will besuccessively effected in a continuous cycle.

A turther object 01 the invention is to provide means for varying therange ci diflerentiai ieeding movement of one or the other of the stripsrelative to each other and to the imprinting position, to eflectaccurate registry.

A IU.rther object or the invention is to provide dual registering andaligning mechanisms applicable to diflerent forms of imprlntingapparatus having the herein disciosed advantageous structural featuresand meritorious characteristics.

An important object is to provide multiple feeding and aligning devicesfor dlfierentiaily advancing superposed impression receiving strips byIeeding one strip or set of strips through an operative cycle inciudingsteps of diflerent extent while simultaneously advancing another stripor set of strips through a succession of movements of uniform extent.

A further important object is to provide strip elevating means by whichthe imprinted strips are elevated in synchronism with the imprintingoperation and distributed at diilerent levels to receiving compartments.

With the above primary and other incidente] objects in view as will morefully appear in the specification, the invention consists of theleatures of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and themode et operation, or their equivaients as hereinatter described and setforth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred, butobviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional type of addressingmachine to which the present invention has been applied, viewed from thefront and illustrating the paths of travel of the continuous stripstationary from the supply packets to the receivers for the imprintedmaterlal.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectiona1 view illustrating sundry operating partsof the addressing machine and their relation to the diiterentia]aligning and registering feed mechanism for superposed strips.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the super-structure viewed from therear.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectionai view of the superstructure on an enlargedscale ci! the parts shown in Fig. 2 looking toward the inner right sideof Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation viewed irom the outer right side of thesuper-structure opposite that shown in Fig. 4, illustrating a portion ofthe driving train.

Fig. 5a 15 a detail perspective view thereof.

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail elevations viewed from the inner side andoutside respectively of the right hand side of the trame of thesuper-structure, the views being in the planes GB and 1' 01 Fig. 8viewed in opposite directions, illustrating continuatinns of the drivingtrain supplementa1to that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectionai plan view on line 8-4 01 Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view on line 9-9 of Fig. 5 and Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the gear transmission mechanism shown inFigs. 5, 6, '1, 8 and 9 with the gear housing broken away.

Fig. 11 is a rear elevat1on of the transmission mechanism shown in planin Fig. 10 with the gear housing broken away.

Figs. 12 and 13 are detail elevations from the inner side of the righthand trame 01 the superstructure, showing the one cycle central ortiming mechanism, aiso shown in Fig. 4. in its engaged driving conditionand in normal inactive condition respectively.

Figs. 14 and 15 are detail side elevations from the leit of Figs. 12 and13.

Fig. 16 is a detail top plan view et the machenism shown in Figs. 12 to15.

Fig. 17 is a detail sectionai view through the driving connections.

Fig. 18 is a detail view of the clutch mechanism for connecting anddisconnecting the second set of pin type feeding and elevating devices.

Fig. 19 is a detail sectionai view of the mounting for one of the drivenshafts.

Figs. 20 and 21 are respectively side and rear detail elevations of thepresser head and associated roller actuating bal by which the numberingand feeding mechanisms are tripped in timed sequence with the operationof the imprinting devices.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the strip guiding and shearing means bywhich the punched marginsare severed from the strips.

Fig. 23 is a side elevation of the strip shearing means.

Fig. 24 is a detall view thereof.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe severai views.

While the present invention is herein illustrated as embodied in aconventional form of addressing machine, it is to be understood that itis not so limited, but may be readily adapted for use in conjunctionwith other forms of imprinting apparatus, including tabulating, billingand check writing machines, typewriters and other analogous mechanismswherein it may be advantageous or desirable to diffexentialiy teedsuperposed strips of continuous series connected iorm stationery, andimprint thereon simultaneously at diflerent spaced intervais or therespective strips.

The imprinting apparatus illustrated, and com- 'mercially known as anAddressograph comprises a stand or legs l supporting a table 2, tramwhich projects a vertical magazine 3 containing a stack of legenddetermining elements 4, which may be preiormed printing plates orstencils. In the usual commercial tabulating machines with which thepresent registering and alignlng feeding mechanism aise may be utilized,such legend cletermining elements ordinarily comprise punched cardsconsecutively fed irom a supply thereof and which control the setting 01the imprlnting type elements, pxeparatory to imprinting the legenddetermined thereby.

In the present Addressograph" machine, the legend determining elements 4are consecutively ied by a reciprocatory slide 5, automatically actuatedin properiy timed sequence by a connectlng rod 6 and cran]: l, motoractuated through a pulley and belt speed reduction train 8, all locatedbeneath the table 2. The printing plates 4 are advanced singiy from themagazine and consecutively presented in imprlnting position beneath thedepressible pressure head 9 and in impression imparting relation withsuccessive portions of continuons superposed strips of record materialin and II.

The present embodiment of the invention is designed for imprinting uponet succession cf series connected checks or other forms, consecutiveidentifying numbers or other indicia and the name, address, accountnumber, or other personal data, and to simultaneously imprint upon amaster or detail sheet the same check or form number and the same data.To this end, the record strips II) and I I, which may be the same ordiierent widths as desired, are advanced from supply comparnments I2 andI3 below the table 2 at the front of the apparatus, from which therespective strips are directed past separate numbcr imprinting units I4and I5, which may be of any conventional construction and of whichnumerous forms are available upon the market. Thcse numbering nuits areactuated by suitable connections with the operating parts of theimprinting apparatus. r

Beyond the respective numbering units I4 and I5 the record strips passin superposed relation onto the table 2 of the Addressograph machine.

As a convenient and economical method of manifolding the imprintedlegend or data. a continuous strip of carbon or transfer material ispreierably interiolded with the supply of record material II, whichcomprises the slower moving strip and upon which is manifolded theimprinted legend or data.

Obviously, if so desired, one of the numbering units may be so locatedas to imprint upon the superposed strips and produce its secondimpression by means of the interposed carbon or transfer material.

In their rearward course, over the top of the table 2, the superposedrecord strips III and Il pass the imprinting position beneath thepresser head 9, and immediately beyond such portion they aresimultaneously engaged by separate pin type feeding devices IIi and Ilcngageable in marginally punched holes in the record strips andsimultaneously actuated through movements of diierent extent todiifcrentially advance the record strips in and II. The original recordstrip which may comprise a succession of checks or other forma isadvanced a full form length at each operation to present the prescribedarea of the succeeding form in imprinting position, while the underlyingduplicate or master strip is advanced a lesser distance sufllcient toreceive the manifolded imprints in closely spaced succession.

The feeding nuits I6 and I1 may be of any suitable type, but forillustrative purposes have been shown as rotary pin wheels havingradially disposed pins l8 engageable in marginally punched holes I9 inthe record strips In and II. Obviously, other forms of traveling pintype devices serving like purpose may be substituted therefor. The pinwheels IG and Il are carried by transverse rotary shaits 20 and 2I,supported in a super-structure mounted upon the imprinting apparatustable 2 and comprising opposite end trames 22 and 23 interconnecter] bysundry tic rods.

Mounted in the super-structure in elevated relation above the respectivefecding devices I6 and Il are elevating devices 25 and :5, one for eachstrip, or set ci strips carried on transverse rotary shafts 21 and 28journaled in the super-structure end frames 22 and 23, which arediflerentially actuated in unison with the corresponding strip ieedingdevice. These elevator devices are also preierably, although notnecessarily, of the pin type having engagement in the marginal feedholes in the strips, but are so adjusted rotatively relative to thefeeding devices I8 and Il that there is a slight degree oi slackness inthe strips between the ieeding and elevator devices and the latter donot exert any pulling or feeding influence other than to lift theimprinted portions of the strips and propel them on their way toseparate receivers. The original record strip Il) is received in acompartment or tray 29, supported in eievated relation above theimprinting apparatus table 2 and somewhat below the love! of itselevator 25 into which the strip III 15 refolded upon its original foldlines. At the same time, the ddplicate strip II is directed by itselevator 26 onto an inclined elevated deck 3l! beneath the receivingcompartment 29, and supported at its rear end substantially concidentwith the under side of the receiving compartment 29 and in elevated relation above the table 2, at its forward end by legs 3I, beyond which theduplicate strip Il is reiolded on its original fold lines in downwardlyand forwardly inclined tray 32 supported on a transverse rod 33 at thefront of the imprinting apparatus table 2.

The strip feeding and elevating devices are actuated independently ofthe imprinting mechanism, but in timed sequence therewith by an electriomotor 35, which operating through a gear head specd reduction mechanism38 drives a belt 31 operatively engaging with a drive pulley 38 upon astub shait 39 journaled in the right hand frame member 23 of thesuper-structure.

As shown in Figs. 4, 8 and 17, the pulley shait at the inner side of thepulley 39 is j ournaled in a supporting bar 40. the ends of which arefixedly connected with the side trame 23 of the superstructure by aspacer stud II and a bracket arm 42. The opposite end of the pulleyshaft is journaled in a bearing bushing u in a bracket am 44 extendinginwardly and upwardly from the side trame 23. The extremity of thepulley shaft 39 has clutch driving engagement 45 with a stub shaft 4B,one end 01 which is also journaled in the bearing bushing 44. Theopposite end of the stub shait 46 is journaled for independent rotationin a bore in the end 01 a shaft 41 on which is fixedly mounted arelatively large timing disc 48. Sec Figs. 8 and 17.

Medially of the stub shaft 46 is a broad faced peripherally n'otchedwheel or disc 49. which rotates in unison with the drive pulley in aplane closely adjacent to the larger timing disc 48, but normallyindependently thereoi.

The pulley 38 and with it the peripheraily notched wheel 49 continuouslydriven by the motor 35 and are intermittently connected with either oneor both sets of pin type strip feeding and elevating devices by singleoperation coupling means adapted to actuate the driven mechanism througha predetermined range of operation and at the end thereof eflectautomatic disengagement of the driving means. Pivoted to the face of thelarger disc 48 is a Spring pressed pawl or dog 5Il having a square naseengageable in any one of the several square notches in the periphery ofthe wheel or smaller disc 49. to operatively connect the larger disc forunison ro tation.

In Figs. 12 to 16 there is illustrated timing mechanism to accuratelytime the engagement and disengagement 01 the driving and drivenmechanism and the duration of the period of oplatter, and whieh dropseration. Te engage and disengage the driving dog Sil, with the notcheddriving wheel or disc 49 at timed intervals, a pair et arms 5l and 52are freely pivoted on a stud 53 and disposed respectively in the planeset rotation et the larger and smaller dises 48 and 49. Eaeh arm il and52 is provided with a retraetile spring 54 connecting studs in the freeends of the respective arms with a stud 55 on the frame 23. The arm 5lcarries on its under aide a roller 56 which rides on the periphery ofthe dise u during rotation et the into a peripheral notch 51 in the diseat the limit of eaeh operation. The arm 5l is further provided with alateral flnger or lip 58 which extends beneath the companion pivoted arm52 and serves to lift the latter arm 52 in unison with elevation of thearm 5l. The arm 52 extends rearwardly of its pivotal stud 53 and isconnected by a link 59 wlth the core et a solenoid or armature of aneleetro-magnet 60 mounted at the rear of the superstructure. Thisoperating lh.k 59- extends through a transverse opening in a boss 6lprojecting from the inner side of the frame 23 immediately above theeleetro-magnet 60 and which supports a guide roller 6l about whieh therecord strip il) passes in its course from the feed devise [6 to theelevator 25.

The drlving pawl or dog 50 pivoted to the disc 48 is formed with ashoulder 62 into the mm et whieh the free end of the loosely mounted arm52 projects when in its depressed position. The engagement et theshoulder 62 with the end of the arm 52 as the driven meehanismapproaches the limit of its range of movement causes the do tu beoscillated out et engagement with the peripherally notehed wheel orsmaller disc 49 against the yielding resistance of its spring 63, t0thereby disengage the driving and driven mechanism.

This engagement et the shoulder 62 with the end of the pivoted arm 52positively arrests the rotation of the dise la and wlth it the drivenmechanism. The dise eompletes a full rotation at each operation and themechanism is simultaneously actuated through a complete cycle to advancethe original record strip a full predetermined form length, andcorrespondingly advance the duplicata strip for whatever length themeehanism may be set. However, it is desirable to sometimes issue splittickets", or forms of fractional length. To do so the arms 5l and 52 areduplicated in reverse relation et 5l and 52 at the lower side of thedisc 48 Where they operate in like manner to arrest the operation whenthe dise has made but a half rotation. by engagement of the roller 56'in the notch 51 when the latter is in the lowermost position. The arms5l and 5l are interconnected by a link 59' for unison operation underinfluence oi the link 59 and eleetro-magnet 60 to initiate the cycle etoperatien, whether et full or half rotation of the disc 49. When fulliorm feeding is desired and complete rotation et the dise 48 effected,the supplemental arms 5l and 52 are locked out of operative relation bya cam lever 60a. This is permitted by a slotted connection Gllb of thelink 59'.

T0 release the driving dog or pawl for reengagement with the notcheddriving wheel or disc 49. an eleetric circuit is elosed through thesolenoid or electric magnet (il! in timed relation with the operation ofthe imprinting apparatus. In the conventional addressograph constructionin association with which the present invention is illustrated, theswinging presser head 5 is provided with small rollers 9a to which isimparted a to and fro motion while the presser head is in depressedposition. This motion is transmitted to the rollers by a eurved bar 64in Figs. 20 and 21, loeated elosely adjacent to the oseillatory presserhead 9 and having diflerential motion incident to the swinging motionthereof. This differential motion of the bar 84 incident te actuation ofthe presser head during the imprinting operation of the Addressograph lsutilized te trip suceessively electric switehes eontrolfing theelectro-magnet circuit and also that aetuating the numbering devices.

A stud 65 is mounted on the roller operating bar 64 of the presser headand incident to the operative movement of the head, such pin deseribes acireuitous path of travel indicated by dash lines and arrows in Fig. 4and Fig. 20. While the stud 65 may be mounted directly on the bar 64,sinee the present apparatus is applicable to existing Addressographmachines, the stud 85 is preferably carried by a U shaped clamp 65'whieh straddles the bar 64 and is releasably seeured thereto.

Mounted on the end trame 23 are two lever operated electric switches 66and 61 (sec Figs. 4, 5 and 11). having oscillatory operating levers 68and 59 which extend into the path of travel of the tripping pin or stud55 earried by the roller actuating bar 64 et the presser head 9.

The eleetric switeh 66 eontrols the operation of the numbering devicesIl and l5, with which it is connected through the cable G8. Thesenumbering devices. as well as the electrical switehes, may be et anysuitable or conventional construction. of whieh there are severaldifferent commercial forms available. The numbering devises embodyeleetrieally energized operating means (net shown) which upon closing ofthe electrieal circuit by oscillation of the switch arm 68 incident teengagement therewith of the stud 55 eifects consecutive numericalimprinting of the respective record strips. After operating thenumbering control switch, the stud 65 by its eontinued travel engagesand oprates in sequence the lever 68 of the electro-magnet controlswiteh 61 to close the circuit through the magnet 80. The energizationof the electro-magnet and resulting attraction of its armature actinthrough the link 58 oseillates the pivoted arm 5 l, raising the frontend thereof and lifting the roller 56 out of the notch 51 in theperiphery of the disc 48. The same movement of the arm 5l eflectselevation of the companion arm 52 out of engagement with the shoulder 62of the driving dog 50 by the lifting engagement et the lateral flnger orlip 58 therebeneath such lever 52.

The driving dog 50 upon release by disengagcment et the end of the arm52 from the shoulder 62 permits the dog 50 t0 engage the notched wheel49 under influence of its aetuating spring. In event the suppiementalsplit ticket or fractional form control levers 5l and 52 are releasedfrom their locking deviee, they are aetuated in unison with the levers5l and .52. long as the rollers 56 and 56' rides upon the periphery ofthe rotating disc 43, thereby holding the arm 5i elevated and arm 5ldepressed, the companion arms 52 and 52 will also be held out of thepath of the shoulder 62 of the dog 50. When the dise has completed aprescribed degree et rotation. either full rotation or a predetermindpartial rotation, the descent et the roller 56 or 55' into theperipheral notch 51 under influence et the retracting spring 54 againpresents the end et the arresting arm in the path of the shoulder 62 ofthe dog and the latter is again disengaged. The disc 48 is thus actuatedthrough a full rotation, a half rotation or other partial rotation,according to the length cf split forms" to be fed, and is positivelyarrested at the end of each operative cycle.

The accurately measured rotation et the driven disc 43 in synchronismwith the operation et the imprinting apparatus is transmitted throughsuitabie gear trains to one or both pin type strip feeding and elevatingdevices, one of which may be connected and disconnected at the will 01the operator. The transmission mechanism is best illustrated in Figs. 5to 11 inclusive.

The side frame 23 of the super-structure is formed with an integral gearhousing at its outer side, which is divided by a vertical wail 10.(Figs. 8, 9. 10 and 11) into outer and inner compartments 1l and 12.the latter having an upward continuation 13 extending above the level ofthe compartment 1l. The division wall 1ll provides a series of bearingsfor various operating parts of the transmission mechanism. Fixedlysecured to a reduced portion of the shait 41 01 the disc 48, whichextends through the frame member 23 into the gear compartment 12, is a:spur gear 14 by which motion is transmitted to one set of ieeding andeievating devices. Detachabiy engageable with the reduced extremity ofthe shait 41 by a shiftable clutch 15, is an axially alignedcontinuation 16 of the shait 41 driving a, gear train transmittingmotion to the second set of feeding and elevating devices in timedsequence with cperation or the printing mechanism and primary feedingmeans, when operatively connected with the driving means by adjustmentof the clutch 15.

Referring particularly to Figs. 7 and 10, the gear 14 which rotates inunison with the rotary disc 49 intermeshes with a gear 11 journaled on astud in the upper extension 13 of the gear compartment 12. Detachablyconnected with the gear 11 for unison rotation is a gear pinion 18 whichis interchangeable with other gear pinions of diflerent size for varyingthe speed and range of operation of the driven mechanism. Thisinterchangeable gear pinion 18 is retained in drivin'g engagement withthe larger gear 11 by a slotted collar 80 having straddle engagement ina peripheral groove in the pinion shaft.

Intermeshing with the gear pinion 18 is an idler pinion 8l carried by anoscillatory arm 82 pivoted concentrically with a driven gear 03 withwhich the idler pinion 8l intermeshes. The swinging ajustment of thecarrier arm accommodates the idler pinion to interchangeable pinions 18of different size. The carrier arm is releasably held in its adjustedposition by a clamp boit 84 engaging through an arcuate slot 85 in thehead of the carrier arm.

The driven gear 83 is mounted on the extremity of the upper elevatorshaft 21, which carries the upper pin type elevator 25 for Ieeding theoriginal or form strip Il) into the receiving tray 29. The gear 83 isadjustably engaged by a variable? 86 of conventional construction, suchas customarily embodied in typewriters for rotatively adjusting theplaten roll thereof relative to the line spacing mechanism.

This variable comprises a simple form of spring actuated clutch on theend of the shaft. wbich upon axial retraction by a knob 86 may bereengaged in different rotative relation of the shaft and gear. Theelevator shaft 21 being driven by the described gear train transmitsunison rotation to the shaft 20 of the pin type ieeding devices Hithrough a substantially vertical shaft 81 mounted in suitable brackets88 on the outer side of the opposite trame member 22 ci thesuper-structure, as shown particularly in Fig. 3. The transmission shait81 carries at each end bevel pinions 8!I intermeshing with correspondingpinions 90 upon the respective shafts 20 and 21, which are thusintermittently actuated in unison through measured range of operation.

The second set of feeding and elevator devices are actuatedsimultaneously but ordinarfly through a difierent range oi movement fromthe same initial shaft 49, on which is mounted the timing dise Ml. Thesecond train 01 transmission mechanism is iilustrated in'Figs. 5, 6, 7,8, 9 and 11. The axially aligned continuation 16 of the shaft 41 isreleasably connected therewith by a clutch 15 within the gear housingcompartment 12. As shown in Fig. 8 and in enlarged detail in Fig. 18,the shaft continuation 18 is provided with an enlarged counterbored head9 l. into which the reduced extremity of the primary shaft 41 projects.'Ihs head is longitudinally slotted at one side as is also the reducedextremity of the shait 41. A peripherally grooved clutch collar 15slidingly mounted upon the shaft head si carries an inwardly projectingstud 92 engaging in the registering slots to couple the shafts 41 and 16for unison rotation. The clutch collar 15 is shiited from the solid lineto the dotted line position of Fig. 18 by a yoke 93 having an operatinghandle 94 extending exteriorly of the gear housing, and upon moving theengaging stud il! beyond the end of the primary shaft 41, the shafts 41and 18 are disengaged, whereby only the primary set of feeding andelevating devices will be actuated as heretoiore described.

Referring particulariy to Fig. 8, the shait extension 16 is journaled ina hub 95 projecting from the division wall 10 of the gear housing andcarries at its extremity within the gear compartment 1! a large gearwheel 96 which meshes with a smaller gear pinion 91 upon the end ci acrank shaft 98 journaled in a bearing hub 9! also projecting from thegear housing division wall 10 (sec Fig. 5). The opposite end of theshaft 98 carries within the gear compartment 12 a crank arm ll.lilhaving a wflst pin Il slidingly engaging in a slot in! in a rocker arm[03 carried by a rock shaft Il (Figs. 6, '7 and 8). The rock shaft IM isjournaled in a beating hub ll5 projecting from the gear housing divisionWall 10. The crank shait 98 and crank Ili maires complote rotationswhile the rocker arm l03 actuated thereby being oi greater radius ismoved to and fro through a limited osciiiatory motion which istransmitted to the rock shaft Il".

The enter end of the rock shaft Il carries within the geafcompartment 1!a small gear pinion lli' and closely adjacent thereto a gear segmentlll6 cf greater radius (Figs. 5, a, 9 and 11). These gear elements areconnected to each other and to the shait for unison oscillation. It isto be noted that contrary to the appearance in Fig. 5, the gear pinion[05' does not mesh with the gear pinion 91 but is offset inwardly of theplane of the gears 96 and 91. as shown in Fig. 8.

The oscillatory gear elements ill5' and HIE intermesh respectively withcompanion gear segments [01 and NIB of diiferent radii, which aremounted concentricall with each other in a bearing hub I 09 projectingfrom the gear housing division wall and about a rotary shaft un (secFig. 9). The gear sectors [01 and [0B are free for relative oscillatorymotion independently 01 each other and independently of theintermittently actuated shatt llll. Fixedl secured upon the outer end ofthe shat I Il). within the gear compartment Il, is a ratchet wheel H Ihaving in its periphery a succession et ratchet teeth and a succeedingsegmental portion Il! which is devoid of teeth. The ratchet wheel lllhas in its hub "3 two ratchet teeth lll, disposed in approximately thesame radial relation as the smooth or untoothed segmental portion l I!of the ratchet wheel III.

The purpose of this is to provide for a diiierential feeding movement ofthe apparatus by which a succession et relatively short advance steps ofthe strip being ied will be followed by a longer advancement thereoi.The duplicate or detail record strip ll is divisible at spaced intervalsupon transverse weakened lines into a succession o! separate sheets. Inimprinting the duplicate record a succession of imprinted legends iseffected at uniform lime space intervals until the end of one of thesheet section defined by a transverse weakened line is reached.Thereupon the strip is advanced an increased distance at a. singleoperation to accommodate a heading space upon the succeeding sheetsection and present the first imprint receiving position of such sheetin exact registry With the impringing devices.-

To eflect the successive l1ne space feeding movements, the gear segmentl0! (front oi lll8) carries an outward pmjecting stud il! upon which ispivoted a spring actuated pawl l l5 having operative engagement with theteeth of the ratchet wheel lll. The rocking motion of the shaft lll4transmitted to the intermeshing gear segments llll and l08 alternatesthe movement of the pawl 5 and thus advances the ratchet wheel and withit the shaft llll through successive relatively short partial rotationsof equal extent. During this period the intermeshing gear elements l06and lll8 also possess to and fro oscillatory motion in unison with themembers 35 and l0l. Being of different proportions, the resultingtransmitted motion is of difierent degrec or extent.

Carried by the gear segment llJ8 is a spring actuated pawl ll6 whichrides idly upon the untoothed portion of the hub 3 during the step bystep or line spacing movement 01 the ratchet wheel Ill under influenceof the pawl Il5. Hawever, when the pawl Il5 reaches the limit of theseries of ratchet teeth in the wheel Il I, the teeth l la in the hub 3will have been moved into the range of action of the pawl 6, which bythe oscillation et. the intermeshing segments IIJG and l08 is caused toengage the tooth ll4 and move the ratchet wheel and with it the shaftllll a longer advance step. This advancement eiected oy engagement ofthe pawl llB upon the segment l08 with the tooth ll4 in the hub 3 et theratchet wheel lll is sufiicient to advance the duplicate record strip ilfrom the last imprint line of one detachable sheet section to the firstimprint line of the succeeding sheet section, passing over the headingspace oi! such second sheet section, all in one continuons movement. Italso advances the ratchet wheel Ill sufliciently to carry the untoothedsegment il! beyond the pawl 5 which thereupon again engagea its ratchetteeth. Thus, there are two degrees of successive partial rotationtransmitted to the shaft ll0, including a succession of short equal linespacing movements incident to the action of the pawl ll5 upon theratchet wheel lll tollowed by a. longer movement at the completion o! apredetermined number of short steps. by the action of the pawl llB uponthe hub tooth lll of the ratchet wheel.

At its inner end the shaft I Il) carries within the compartment l! aratchet wheel ll'l, with which a spring actuated detent pawl llllengages to retain the wheel and shaft in their advanced position ofrotation and prevent back lash. This ratchet couple shown in Fig. 6 ismerely retaining means. However, secured to the inner end et the shaftllll adjacent to the ratchet wheel ll1 is a gear wheel ll9 whichintermeshes with a small gear pinion l2ll upon the elevator shaft 28which carries the pin type elevator device 26 having engagement in themarginal holes of the duplicata strip Il, and by which it is advancedover the deck SI). 4

Like the shafts 28 and Il, the shait 21 is operatively connected withthe feed device shaft 20 as shown in Fig. 3 by a substantially verticalshaft l2l mounted in brackets in on the end frame 22 and having at eachend bevel gears I23 meshing with like gears l24 on the respective shafts2l and 28. Unison timed movements of measured extent are transmitted bythe mechanism described simultaneously to the feeding and stripelevating devices la and 25. While any suitable feeding means may beemployed for strip eeding and elevating purposes, including cooperatingfrictional rollers such as have been commonly used in the typewriter,autographic register and tabulating machine arts the teeding andelevating devices as before mentioned are pref erably, although notnecessarily, pin type ieeding devices progressively engageable insuccessions of marginally punched holes in the record strips, orengageable in more widely separated longitudinally spaced holes mediallyof the strips. Such pin type feeding means may comprise pin wheelshaving relatively fixed feeding pins, traveling endless studded belts ofreciprocatory pin feeders of which there are numerous prier artexamples. However, the pin type feeding units shown in the drawings areof the reciprocatory pin style, which forme the subject matter ofLetters Patent No. 2,000,649 and No. 2,000,651, of May 5, 1935, to Whichreference is made, the specific construction and operation of whichforming no part par se of the present invention r and is not heredescribed. Inasmuch as the record strips eng'age the ieeding andelevating units I6, I1, 25 and 26 through only a relatively smallsegmental area, retractable feeding pins are not essential and otherforms of pin feed units may be employed.

The feeding and elevating units are mounted in spaced relation upontheir respective shafts 2ll, 2l, 21 and 28 to agree with the widths ofthe respectivestrips l0 and l l of record material, which may be of thesame or diilerent widths. Intermediate the teeding and elevating units,there are disposed in spaced relation upon the respective shafts seriesof spaced discs l6, l1, 25 and 28, which support the medial areas of thestrips. Each strip is divisible at longitudinally spaeed interVals upontransverse weakened lines into a series of independent sheets or forms.While the spacing of the division lines of each strip is uniform, thespaing of the weakened division lines of one strip may vary from that ofthe other strip. For example, the original strip l0 may comprise asuccession of checks or vouchers upon each of which is to be imprintedthe name, ad-

The continued movement of the presser head dress and account data of thereclpient, necessitating that the strip Il! be advanced a full form orvoucher length at each operation. The accompanying duplicate or detailrecord sheet may comprise a succession of separable forma or sheets ofmuch greater length than the Check or voucher lengths of the originalstrip Il]. However, instead of receiving une imprint on each succeedinglorm or sheet, a succession of closely spaced imprints of the dataimprinted on a considerable number of checks, vouchers, or otheroriginal strip forms are impressed upon the saine sheet or form of theduplicate strip il. When the duplicata record sheet or form is filled bysuch closely spaced imprints, the spacing of which is determincd by theline spacing ratchet wheel III and pawl ll5, it becomes necessry toimpart to the strip a longer advance movement which will carry thefilled sheet beyond the imprinting position and present the initialimprint receiving area of the succeeding sheet or form in accurateregistry With the imprinting means, which area may be spaced aconsiderable distance from the transverse division line between theforma or sheets. This form space advance is eiected by the engagement ofthe pawl H6 with the tobth IN of the ratchet wheel hub 3.

This is first a diflerential travel motion between the respective stripsIl] and H, wherein strip HI is advanced a form length at each operationwhile the duplicate strip is being advanced only a line space, andsecond there is a difiercntial in the successive advancements of theduplicate strip H, wherein it is unliormly advanced through apredetermined number of relatively short lino spaces followed by a finallonger advance step at the completion of the cycle whereby one form iswithdrawn and a succeeding form is positioned in imprinting position.Moreover, these diflerential movements of the strips relative to eachother and those of succeeding portions of the same strip are eifected inaccuratcly timed relation with the operation of the imprintingapparatus. and the partiGuIar legend to be imprinted is determined by aprepared legend determining element which is one of a suppiy which arepositioned seriatim in operative relation with the imprinting apparatus.

While in the particular apparatus illustrated. which is that of anAddressograph machine, the legend determining elements are theespeciaily embossed or printing plates or stencils, the invention is notlimited thereto but in appropriate form may be applied to tabulatingmachines and the like wherein the legend tobe imprinted is determined bypunched cards, which are successively presented in control relation withthe imprinting apparatus. Thepresent strip Ieeding apparatus is furtherapplicable to other writing and imprinting mechanism, such as checkwriters, fiat bed typewriters and analogous mechanisms, which are notnecessarily dependent on preformed legend determin'ng elements.

In operation the respective driving motors of the imprinting apparatusand the strip feeding mechanism being set in operation, the strips il!and H are progressively automaticaliy withdrawn from the supply l2 andl3 and advanced past the numbering devices I4 and l5 which are trippedby the oscillation of the switch arm 68 of the control switch 66 byengagement thereWith of the stud 65 as the presser head descends toimprint a previously numbered form which has been advanced past thenumbering position into the printing position by preceding operations.

causes the stud 85 to then engage the switch arm 69 of the switch 65 byWhich the electromagnet 60 is energized to trip the strip feedingmechanism for a single predetermined cycle of operation, at the end ofwhich the driving and driven mechanism of the strip feeding apparatus isautomatically disconnected. The arrangement is such that the stripfeeding mechanism is energized only when the imprinting apparatus havebeen operated and in timed relation therewith after the imprinting hasbeen eiected and as the presser head returns. The imprinting apparatusis so automatically controlled that in addressograph machines,tabulators and other automatic mechanisms controlled by a preformcdlegendcletermining element, the actuation of the imprinting mechanismdoes not occur until the legend determining punched card, printingplate, stencil, or like element has been shifted from the supply thcreofinto control relation.

Thus, the feeding operation is directly dependent upon the imprintingoperation and the latter is dependent upon presentation of the legendcletermining element in proper position. If no legend determining memberis supplied, there can be no imprinting, and without the imprintingoperation, no teeding movement coeurs. Thus, these successive operationsare mutually interdependent upon each other. The strips [0 and H beingadvanced past the imprinting position in superposed relation with aportion cf carbon or transier material interleaved therebetween areseparately engaged, each by its own feeding device. The overlyingduplicata record strip H la engaged by the feeding unit Ii while theoriginal record strip Il) is engaged by the ieeding unit Hi, pnsitionedin the rear of the unit H and on lave] therewith. These units arcsubstantiaily tangential to the path cf travel of the strips past theimprinting position.

The original record strip Il! passes from the feeding unit l6 upwardlyabout a freely rotating guide relier 6l through an openlng in thetrunnion boss Gl, of which the link 58 of the magneticaily operatedtripping device extends. The original record strip passes thence overthe elevator unit 25 whlch is substantially identical with the feedingunlts 16 and I1, and into the receiving compartment or tray 29. Thestrip having been sharply folded in zigzag form in the supply packetautomatically reassumes such folded form as it enters the receivng tray.

At the same time, the duplicata record strip H being advanced past theimprinting position by the feeding unlts Il is directed upwardly aboutan idler guide roller Il to the elevator units 25, by which the strip li and accompanying carbon strip are discharged onto the deck 3l. Therecord strip passing beyond the deck 3il is received t in the tray 32 atthe front of the machine, where it also reassumes its original foldlines. The carbon strip may be refolded With the strip Il, but ispreferably diverted into a separate waste receptacle as the strips leavethe deck 30.

The marginally punched holes in the record strips if desired may beremcved and trimming cutters may be provided in association with eitheror both sets of the elevator units 25 and 26, as shown particularly inF.gs. 3 and 22, but also in Figs. 1 and 2.

Carried upon a polygonal transverse rod 125 parallel with the elevatorshafts 21 and 28, are slidingly adjustable brackets I2B. with each ofwhich is associated an arm 121 mounted for wherein continuous stription, imprinting mechanism stationery at spaced intervais, dual feedingmeans limited oscillatory adjustment. The arm l2! carries a rotarytrimrner dise 118 having peripherai engagement with the advancing stripas it passes over the eievator unit. The cutter dise coacts With theperiphery of the pin wheel body closely adjacent to the inner side ofthe series of strip engaging pins under pressure adjusted by a screwI2Ii in the bracket I2B and engaging the cutter carrying cm. A guardhood [30 carried by the arm i2! overhangs the cutter dise and preventsaccidentai contact therewith.

Associated with ail of the pin wheel units both feeding and elevating,are slotted papcr guides l3l. Adjustably supported on shaits l32paraliel with the pin unit are slotted guide fingers l33 into the slots01 which the pins extend. The slotted guide fingers are slidinglyadjustable in accordance with the adjustment of the pin type units toaccommodate strips of diierent widths. 'Ihcy are further capableofoscillatory movement toward and from the units to enabie engagement ofthe marginaily punched strips with the feeding pins and to thereaiterprevent their accidentai disengagement theretrom. The approaeh of theslotted guide flngers toward the pin type units is limited by a stopupon an arm |34 which assures suflicient clearance for free movement ofthe strip under influence of the traveling pins. As at present advised,the particular trimming unit and strip guide feature will form thesubject matter ci a separate applh cation.

From the above description it wiIl be apparent that there is thusprovided a device of the character described possessing the particularfeatures of advantage be!ore enumerated as desirable, but whichobviously is susceptible o! modification in its form, proportions,detail construction and arrangement et parts without departing from theprinciple involved or sacrificing any of its advantases.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has beendescribed in language more or less sptcific as to structural ieatures,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the speciflcIeatures shown, but. that the means and construction herein disclosedcomprise the preferred form of several modes et putting the inventioninto eflect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any ci its f01insor modifications Within the legitimate and valid scope of the appendedclaims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus stationem receives atlongitudinaily spaced intervais imprinted legends predetermined bylegend determining elements advanced seriatim at timed intervals from asource of supply into an imprint control posi- Ior imprinting the fordiferentiaily advancing superposed strips of record materiai past animprinting position and arresting the strips with succeeding diierentlyspaced prescribed areas upon the respective strips in registry with eachother and in registry With the imprinting position, impression takingmeans for pressing the positioned strips and imprinting mechanismtogether to simultaneousiy produce impressions upon both strips, anddriving means for actuating the imprinting mechanism and dual feedingmeans in timed sequence.

2. A construction substantially as set forth in claim 1, wherein saiddual ieeding means includes a series ci traveling spaced feeding pinshaving tim from a source of supply into an imprint control position,imprinting devices for imprinting the stationery strips et spacedintervals, a table over whih the stationery strips are progressivelyadvanced in superposed relation from a supply thexeof below the level ofthe table into imprinting position, dual feeding means for diierentiallyadvancing the superposed strips for presenting diflerently spacedprescribed areas upon the respective strips simultaneously in imprintingposition and in registry with each other. and clevator means forelevating the imprinted portions of the stationery strips and receiversinto which the elevated imprinted portions of the strips are directed.

4. In a strip feeding apparatus. wherein continuons multiple stripstationery receives at longitudinaily spaced intervals imprinted legendspredetermined by legend determining elements advanced seriatim (mm asource of supply into an imprint central position, imprinting devicesfor imprinting the stationery strips et spaced intervais, a table overwhich the stationery is advanced into imprinting position, a. pair etpin type teeding means located in juxtaposition to the imprintingdevices and beyond the table in the direction of travel of thestationery and engageable in longitudinally spaced haies in theimprinted portion of the stationery after it has passed over the tableand past the imprinting position for intermittently presentingsuccessive difierently spaced portions of the multiple stationery stripsin imprlnting position, and actuating means for actuating the pin typefeeding means difl'erentiaily.

5. In a strip feeding apparatus, wherein continuous strip stationeryreceives at longitudinafly spaced intervais imprinted legendspredetermined by legend determining elements advanced seriatim from asource of supply into an imprint control position, imprinting devicesfor imprinting the stationery strips at spaced intervals, a pair of pintype feeding devices, having progressive feeding engagement inlongitudinally spaced holes in diflerent stationery strips, andactuating means for actuang the pin wheels differentiaily.

6. A strip teeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous stripci record materiai is intermittently advanced past an imprintingposition at which it receives at longitudinaily spaced intervalsimprinted indicia determined by a succession of legend determining meansprogressive- 1y presented in imprint control relation, and wherein theimprinting operation is dependent upon the positioning oi such legenddetermining means and the feeding of the strip is dependent upon theoperation of imprinting mechanisms, characterized by duplex ieedingmeans for progressively advancing diiierent record strips differentiallyrelative to each other past the imprinting position. including actuatingmeans for operating the strip ieeding means to eifect a continuingsuccession cf uniform advance movements of one strip and to affectmovement of a companion strip through a continuing succession oi uniformadvance movements of diierent extent, and arresting the strips aftereach movement with succeeding predetermined differently spaced areas ofthe respective strips in registry with each other and with theimprinting position and control means by which the feeding means isactuated in timed sequence with the imprinting operaticn, by operationof the imprinting mechanism.

7. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous stripoi! record material is intermittentiy advanced past an imprintingposition at which it receives at longitudinally spaced intervalsimprinted indicia determined by a succession of legend determining meansprogressiveiy presented in imprint control relation and wherein theimprinting operation is dependent upon the positioning of such legenddetermining means and the feeding of the strip is dependent upon theoperation of imprinting mechanisms, characterized by duplex feedingmeans for progressively advancing different record strips difiercntiallywith each other past the imprinting position, and actuating means foroperating the strip feeding means to effect simultaneous continuingadvance ment of different strips through a continuing succession etuniform advance mcvements 01 ditferent extent and arresting the stripsafter each movement with succeedlng predetermined difierently spacedareas of the respective strips in registry with each cther and with theimprinting position and intermediate means by which the feeding means isactuated in timed sequence with the imprinting operation by theoperation of the imprinting mechanism.

8. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a continuous stripof record material is intermittencly advanced past an imprintingposition at which it receives at longitudinally spaced intervalsimprinted indicia predetermined by legend determining meansprogressivcly prescnted in imprint control relation, and wherein theimprinting operation is dependent upon the presentation of the legenddetermining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon theimprinting operation, characterized by multiple strip feeding devicesfor advancing difierent strips simultaneously past the imprintingposition actuating means therecr, s0 constructed and arranged as toeffect simultanecus advancement cf diiferent strips uniform distancesand thereafter advance une et the strips and increased distance,imprinting means and an operative connection between the imprinting andstrip feeding means by which the latter is actuated in timed sequencewith the former.

9. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip isintermittentiy advanced past an imprinting position where it receives asuccession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined bylegend determinng means progressively presented in imprint contre]relatien and wherein the imprint operaticn is dependent uponpresentation of the legend determining means and the feedlng operationis dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiplestrip feeding devices engageable with separate record strips to be fed,and actuating means for differentiaily operating the strip feedingdevices for advancing different strips difierent distances and arrestingthe strips with predetermined impression receiving areas diflerentlyspaced upon the respective strips in registry with each other and withthe imprinting position, imprinting means and means operated by theoperation of the imprinting means for actuating the feeding devices intimed sequence therewith.

10. A strip ieeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip isintermittently advanced past an imprinting position where it receives etsuccession of longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined bylegend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint controlrelatien and wherein the imprint operation is dependent uponpresentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operationis dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiplestrip feeding devices engageabie with separate record strips to be ied,actuating means thereior. guide means for guiding the strips insubstantiaily coincideut paths past the imprintiflg position and meansfor guiding the strips in divergent paths therebeyond.

11. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip isintermittently advanced past an imprinting position where it receives asuccession cf longitudinafly spaced imprinted indicia predetcrmined bylegend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint contra]relatian and wherein the imprint cperaticn is dependent uponpresentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operationis dependent upon the imprinting operation. characterized by multiplestrip feeding devices engageabie with separate record strips to be fed,actuating means therefor, guide means confining the strips tcsubstantially coincident patins past the imprinting position, eievatormeans for carrying the strips upwardly beyond the imprinting position,and an elevated receiver for at least one of the strips.

' 12. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus. wherein a record stripis intermittently advanced past an imprinting positionwhere itreceivesasuccession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indiciapredetermined by legend determining means progressiveiy presented inimprint control relation and wherein the imprint operation is dependentupon presentation of the legend determining means and the feedingoperation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized bymultiple strip ieeding devices engageable With separate record strips tobe fed, actuating means therefor, guide means confining the strips tosubstantially coincident paths past the imprinting position, elevatormeans for carrying the strips upwardly beyond the imprinting position.and an elevated guide cver which at least one of the strips is directedin reverse direction to its path of travel past the imprinting position.

13. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip isintermittently advanced pust an imbrinting position where it receives asuccession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined bylegend determining means progressively presented in imprint controirelation and wherein the imprint operation is dependent uponpresentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operationis dependent upon the imprinting operation, charactcrized by multiplestrip feeding devices engageable with separate record strips to be Ied,actuating means thereof constructed and arranged to effect advanccmentof one of the strips through continuing succession cf advance movementof uniform extent and another strip through a succession of uniformadvance movements of diiferent extent from those of the first stripiollowed by a 70 tus, wherein an assembly of superposed record stripsare progressively advanced past an imprinting position at which theyreceive successive longitudinally spaced imprints of indicia.predetermined by a series of legend determining elements successivelypresented in imprint control relation, an imprinting apparatus, separatestrip feeding devices for difierent strips of the assembly, commonactuating means thereior for simultaneously advancing the stripsdiiferent distances, and means for intermittently further advancing oneof the strips thrcugh an increased range of movement. and means forinitiating the feeding operation in timed sequence with the imprintingof indicia upon the strip by actuation of the imprinting apparatus.

15. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, the combination with anassembly et superposed record strips, of which difierent strips areuniformly divided into form lentghs of diflerent length, and animprinting apparatus having a printing position past which the stripsare advanced in unison to simultanecusly present at the printingposition difierently spaced prescribed areas of the respective strlps toreceive thereon duplicated imprinted indicia predeter- 'mined by aseries of legend determining elements successivel; presented inimprinting control relation, separate strip feeding devices fordifierent strips of the assembly, the feeding devices being s0constructed and arranged as to advance one of the strips afractionalpart of a form lentgh at a time until a plurality ofimpressions have been imprinted upon a 'single form thereof and to thenadvance the strip through a succeeding movement of a greater rangesufficient to present the initial impression receiving area of asucceeding form in imprinting position, and to simultaneously advancethe other strip a full form length at each operation and means forinitiating the feedlng operation in timed sequence with the imprintingof indicia upon the strip by actuation of the imprinting apparatus.

16. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus. wherein an assembly ofsuperposed record strips are intermittently advanced past an imprintingposition by traveling pin type feeding devices engageable inlongitudinally spaced holes in the strips and receiving thereon atlongitudinally spaced intervais indicia impressions predetermined by aseries of legend determining elements presented one by one in imprintcontrol relation, an imprinting apparatus separate pin type feedingdevices engageable with different strips, common driving means therefor.and means controlled by operation. ofthe imprinting apparatus forefiecting dierential actuaticn of the respective pin type feedingdevices for advancing the respective strips through successive advancemovements of diierent extent and synchronizing difierently spaced areasthereof accurately in registry with each other and with the imprintingposition at each operation.

17. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, multiple pin typefeeding devices for differentially advancing superposed strips ofimpression receiving material past an imprinting position, actuatingmeans for operating one of the strip feeding devices through a cycle ofoperations including strip feeding movements of different extent andsimultaneously actuating another strip feeding device through asuccession of strip ieeding operations of uniform extent, theconstruction and arrangement being such that one strip or set of stripsis advanced a full form length past the imprinting position at eachoperation While a. companion strip or set of strips is advanced througha predetermined succession et lime space movements followed by amovement oi greater extent necessary to advance the strip a distancefrom the last line of one form length to the initial line of asucceeding form length past the imprinting position, imprintingmechanism for impressing the strips at longitudinaily spaced intervalsdetermined by the operative movements of the feeding devices, and timingmeans foreiecting operation of the ieeding deflces in timed sequencewith operation of the imprinting mechanism.

18. In a strip teeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a plurality ofsuperposed strips are intermittently advanced past an imprintingposition at which they receive longitudinally spaced imprints, stripelevating means operative to elevate the imprinted strips after theyhave passed the imprinting position and to dlstribute the strips atdiferent levels, imprinting mechanism for impressing the strips etlongitudinally spaced intervals determined by the operatlve movements ofthe Ieeding devices, and timing means for effecting operation of theieeding devices in timed sequence with operation of the imprintingmechanism.

19. The herein described method of presenting difierently spacedprescribed areas of superposed strips in registry with each other and'simultaneously in registry with the printing position 01 an imprintingapparatus including successively advancing one strip or set of stripsthrough a succession et relativeiy short advance movements followed byat least one movement of greater extent and simultaneously advancinganother strip or set of strlps through a succession et advance movementof uniform extent but difiering from those of the flrst mentioned stripor set of strlps and automatically timing such advance movements insynchronism with imprinting operations thereon.

20. In a strip ieeding and imprinting apparatus. the combination withimprinting means for imprintirig indicia at longitudinaily spacedintervals upon superposed strips et record material intermittentlyadvanced past an imprinting position, of multiple pin type feedingdevices engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in superposed stripsof record material for difierentially advancing the strips of materialpast the imprinting position, and actuating means operative in timedsequence with the imprinting apparatus for simultaneously drivingdifierent ieeding devises through diflerent degrees of movement at eachoperation for advancing superposed strips diierent distances and therebypresent difierentiy spaced prescribed areas upon the respective stripssimultaneuusly in imprinting position.

21. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, the combination withimprinting mechanism for imprinting indicia at longitudinally spacedintervals upon superposed record strips intermittently advanced past animprinting position of multiple pin type feeding devices havingsimultanecus lndependcnt engagement in longitudinally spaced holes otdifierent superposed record strip's, and actuating means forsimultaneously actuating the diflerent pin type feedlng devices throughmeasured degrees of travel l'or automatically advancing diflerent strlpspredetermined distances in unison past the imprlntlng position andthereafter arresting the strips with prescribed longitudinally apacedareas of diflerent

